Basilica Cistern Istanbul Ticket with Audio Guide App
KTLY597648
+4
Istanbul
About this tour
The Basilica Cistern is a 6th-century underground reservoir beneath Istanbul, built to hold water for the Great Palace of Constantinople. Your visit takes you down among rows of marble columns rising out of shallow water, past the famous carved Medusa heads set into two of the column bases. The lighting is kept low and the air is cool and damp, which gives the whole place a hushed, almost eerie feel. Your ticket includes an audio guide app for iOS and Android, available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian.
Highlights
- Marvel at the forest of marble columns each with unique carvings and histories.
- Discover the Medusa heads used as column bases, shrouded in mystery and legend.
- Experience the unique atmosphere created by the combination of water, light, and ancient architecture.
- Learn about the cistern's role in supplying water to the Great Palace of Constantinople.
- Enjoy a cool and quiet escape from the bustling streets of Istanbul.
- Hundreds of marble columns rising from shallow water, many reused from older Roman buildings, so they vary in style and height
- The two famous Medusa-head column bases, one on its side and one upside down
- A cool, quiet underground escape from the heat and crowds of Sultanahmet, steps from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque
Included / Excluded
- Audio app for iOS and Android in English, Spanish, French, German & Italian
Basilica Cistern: Hours and What to Wear
The Basilica Cistern runs two separate visiting sessions every day. The daytime session is open from 09:00 to 18:30, after which the site briefly closes. It reopens for an evening session from 19:30 to 22:00, when the lighting is turned up and the underground hall takes on a very different feel. Keep in mind that the cistern is closed between 18:30 and 19:30, and a daytime ticket will not get you into the evening session.
There's no dress code for the cistern itself, so you can wear whatever's comfortable. That said, if you're pairing this stop with Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque just a few minutes' walk away, both are working religious sites that call for modest dress, so it's smart to plan your outfit around them. The walkways underground stay cool and damp with uneven footing in spots, so flat, non-slip shoes are the way to go.
Available Days / Times
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
From
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9€
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Important Information
- Buying tickets online is highly recommended, as long queues often form in front of the ticket office.
- Floors and walkways can be slippery due to constant moisture, so comfortable, non-slip shoes are strongly recommended.
- Humidity levels reach around 96%, and water may drip from the ceiling in some areas.
- Lighting is intentionally subdued to enhance the atmosphere; please move carefully, especially on stairs and narrow walkways.
- Photography is allowed, but the use of flash is discouraged to protect the site and visitor experience.
- Night Shift visits (19:30–22:00) require a separate ticket and offer a quieter, more atmospheric experience.
- Note that it tends to be cooler inside, so consider dressing accordingly.
- Combo tickets are a convenient option and can save time and money, especially when visiting nearby attractions such as Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace.
- Large luggage and suitcases are not permitted inside the Basilica Cistern.
- Food and beverages are not allowed inside the site.The use of tripods is not allowed without prior authorization.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited, including electronic cigarettes.
- Pets are not permitted within the cistern.
- Payments are accepted in Turkish Lira and by credit card only; foreign currency is not accepted.
FAQs
What is the Basilica Cistern?
The Basilica Cistern is an ancient underground water reservoir in Istanbul, built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. It was designed to store and supply water to the Great Palace of Constantinople and nearby buildings. Today, it is one of the city’s most atmospheric historical landmarks, known for its vast columns, subdued lighting, and iconic Medusa heads.
Is the Basilica Cistern free to visit?
No, the Basilica Cistern is not free to visit. As a protected historical site and museum, entry requires a paid ticket. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak hours and weekends, to ensure smooth access.
Do you need tickets for the Basilica Cistern?
Yes, tickets are required to enter the Basilica Cistern. Entry is controlled to manage visitor numbers and preserve the site. Verified tickets can be purchased online on this page, which allows you to check availability in advance and avoid long queues at the entrance.
How long does it take to visit the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul?
A typical visit to the Basilica Cistern takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour. Visitors who take their time, use an audio guide, or join a guided tour may spend slightly longer exploring the details and atmosphere.
How much are tickets to the Basilica Cistern Istanbul?
Ticket prices for the Basilica Cistern vary depending on the ticket type, such as standard entry, skip-the-line access, tickets with audio guide, guided tours, or combo tickets that include nearby attractions. Prices may also change seasonally. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, it is best to check the verified ticket options listed on this page.
How much water would the Basilica Cistern hold?
The Basilica Cistern was capable of holding approximately 80,000 cubic meters of water. This large capacity ensured a reliable water supply for the imperial palace complex and surrounding areas during the Byzantine period.
How should I visit the Basilica Cistern Istanbul?
To fully appreciate the history, architecture, and legends of the Basilica Cistern, a guided tour or audio guide is highly recommended. These options help ensure you do not miss important details and provide deeper insight into the building’s myths, symbolism, and historical function. Both guided and audio-guided visit options are available with verified tickets on this page.
How long does a visit to the Basilica Cistern take?
Most people spend under an hour down there. It's a compact site, and an audio guide walks you through how the reservoir worked and how it was later rediscovered.
What are the Medusa heads in the Basilica Cistern?
They're two carved marble bases at the far end of the hall, each supporting a column. One sits on its side and the other is upside down, and no one is entirely sure why they were placed that way.
When was the Basilica Cistern built?
It was built in the 530s under Emperor Justinian in the 6th century, as part of the system that carried water into Byzantine Constantinople.
Where is the Basilica Cistern located?
It sits in Sultanahmet, just across from Hagia Sophia in Istanbul's old city. The entrance is a low street-level building with a staircase leading down to the hall below.